Covering African, world & roots music

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Note: for some picks for the top CD's (and live shows) of 2006 click here. For 2005 & 2004 click here.
 

A gem from the past:
Golden Afrique, vol. 1

Fans of West African music simply cannot afford to be without this amazing double CD.

That this is only the first of a series of anthologies put out by the German Network label is almost too good to be true.

The series is designed to collect music from the "golden age" of African music - the 1970's through early 80's, when music and other arts flourished as the various recently independent African nations solidified and encouraged their cultural strengths.

The first volume features the countries of French West Africa, including Mali, Senegal, Guinea and others.

Future stars in their first years are included like Salif Keita, Youssou n'Dour, Bembeya Jazz, even Miriam Makeba (then living in exile in Guinea), along with others who are little known now.

The CD just bursts with energy, spirit and optimism. Try to resist. (Well, why bother -- just get it).

Then, wait for vol. 2 -- now available in Europe -- featuring classic Congo dance music.

More info on Network's website. They have plenty of other great CD's.
 

A gem from the present:
Rhythm Was Born, Donné Robert (new: Nov. 8/05)

A number of people who have admired Donné's music over the years have felt he hasn't received as much recognition as some of the other musicians he's been playing with. He is part of the Juno award winning collaboration African Guitar Summit, and has performed regularly with Madagascar Slim as part of "Slim et Donné" -- often playing with Ndidi Onukwulu in "African Blues" shows -- but Slim has been around the Toronto scene much longer, and had already earned two Junos even before the AGS CD. Other fellow AGS guitarists like Adam Solomon and Alpha Yaya Diallo have also been recording, and Alpha was also a Juno winner on his own.

Donné's brand new CD, Rhythm Was Born should change his career pretty quickly.

The CD strikes you even before you open it, featuring a beautiful, evocative cover by Kurt Swinghammer, illustrating the story of Christmas and music in a Madagascar village recounted in the title song.

Inside, the music overwhelms with its great diversity, its soul, and its musical artistry. Like the AGS CD, it was produced by Todd Fraracci, and his skill is clearly evident in the excellent production quality.

The CD includes well known Donné favourites like Malembo and Sadebake, but it really takes off with some his newer songs.

The breadth and variety of his music on this CD is superb -- appropriately reflecting the variety of influences experienced by someone who comes from Madagscar, grew up in Russia (where he hosted a music TV show), and then honed his music in the great entertainment and cultural stewing pot of Toronto, all the while listening to and being influenced by a wide variety of musicians and musical styles.

The CD encompasses rhythms from Madagascar, touches of Soukous, a song of ancestral chants from Malagasy and native North American singers, some of Donné's powerful rock licks, and it then wraps up with a gorgeous acoustic lament for a loved one, "Las" (She left).

Donné has made a great one here.  I've had it for three days, and it hasn't left my CD player yet. It's available at Sam's, and also on Donné's website. (Some songs are available on his site).
 

M'Bemba, Salif Keita (new Nov. 25/05)

Many CD's take some time to digest, and to determine just how good they are (to each listner). There have been many CD's I've been indifferent to at first, but later really grew on me. Others I liked on first listenings, but before long consigned to the "hardly-ever played" category.

However, I can't imagine not considering M'Bemba his as my favourite Salif Keita album. And considering he (along with Billy Joe Shaver) is my favourite singer, that puts this CD pretty high up on my ranking. It's maginificent.

Just released, this is his follow-up to 2002's Moffou, and is his first CD recorded in Mali in 20 years. It retains the acoustic roots sound of that album, but is richer, more powerful. His voice is superb, and is backed by great musicians like Kante Manfila, Djelly Moussa Kouyate and Ousmane Kouyate, as well as a tremendous vocal backing.

Let's hope he plans a North American tour to follow. (And that this time, Toronto is included. He hasn't played here for too many years).

Two from CBC Records
1. African Guitar Summit

Recorded in Feb. 2004, at the time of the Glen Gould Studio Concert, it features some of Canadas' best guitarists: Alpha Yaya Diallo, Madagascar Slim, Donne Robert, Adam Solomon, Mighty Popo & Pa Joe. In December, the musicians (except for Alpha Yaya Diallo) celebrated the CD Release at the Lula Lounge. (See photos page). Great concert, great party at the Lula -- and a great CD.

Get info about -- and buy -- the CD here.

Like the AGS CD, produced by Todd Fraracci. Recorded at the Bamboo (1995) and Afrofest (1997). Tarig Abubakar, from Sudan,  was a great figure in the Toronto African music scene, assembling great pan-African bands. He died in a car accident in Sudan in 1998.

Get info about -- and buy -- the CD here.